Conservative byelection candidate says voters have raised Poilievre concerns

Conservative candidate Stephen Curran says voters have raised concerns about party leader Pierre Poilievre as he campaigns for the Aug. 31 federal byelection in North Vancouver—Capilano.

At an all-candidates panel Thursday in West Vancouver, an audience member described Poilievre as highly divisive and asked Curran about perceptions that Conservatives are unwilling to work with the Liberal government and other opposition parties. Video of the closed event was obtained by Global News.

Curran said he has heard similar questions at doorsteps. He pointed to Conservative support for Bill C-5 and the party’s push to eliminate the consumer carbon tax, while acknowledging a recurring criticism that the party offers criticism without enough solutions.

He said the Official Opposition has a role in criticizing and guiding the government, but said he would aim to represent constituents respectfully and constructively. Curran also stressed that Poilievre and the Conservative caucus are not on the ballot.

The seat was held by Liberal former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson from 2015 until his resignation this year to become Canada’s ambassador to the European Union. Curran lost to Wilkinson by 26 points in last year’s election.